Stripe Atlas vs Firstbase.io
Last updated July 2026
Stripe Atlas
Delaware C-corp formation optimized for the Stripe ecosystem
Advantages
- $500 flat fee for Delaware C-corp formation with 10M-share standard structure
- Included EIN, standard incorporation docs, and 83(b) filing helper
- Stripe payments and banking (Stripe Treasury) integrated by default
- Templates for post-incorporation stock issuance and Board consents
- Founder-friendly documentation reviewed by Cooley LLP
Drawbacks
- Delaware-only, can't file in your home state
- No included registered agent renewal after year one
- Requires Stripe account to unlock full ecosystem benefits
Firstbase.io
Startup formation and back-office tools built for international founders
Advantages
- $399 base for Delaware C-corp or LLC formation
- Especially strong for international founders (documentation for non-U.S. residents)
- Includes registered agent for year one plus ongoing compliance tools
- Bank account setup via Mercury included
- Bookkeeping and tax filing available as add-ons
Drawbacks
- Fewer post-incorporation legal templates than Stripe Atlas
- Bank account depends on Mercury approval
- Ongoing $99/mo Firstbase subscription for full compliance tools
Stripe Atlas and Firstbase.io are two of the best-known incorporation services built specifically for VC-track startups. Both file a Delaware C-corp with the standard 10M-share structure and set up post-incorporation essentials. Stripe Atlas leans on the Stripe payments ecosystem; Firstbase leans on international founder support.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Stripe Atlas | Firstbase.io |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $500 flat | $399 base |
| Entity Type | Delaware C-corp | Delaware C-corp or LLC |
| Standard Share Structure | 10M shares authorized, standard 4-yr vesting templates | 10M authorized shares for C-corp |
| EIN Included | Yes | Yes |
| Bank Account | Stripe Treasury account | Mercury business banking |
| Legal Review | Cooley LLP-reviewed templates | Standard templates; not law-firm branded |
| Registered Agent | First year included; must renew separately | First year included; $199/yr renewal |
| International Support | Available for non-U.S. founders | Strong, built for non-U.S. founders |
Stripe Atlas Wins
Stripe Atlas wins for U.S.-based VC-track startups. Firstbase wins for international founders or those who need bundled back-office tools.
Both file the same underlying entity. Stripe Atlas's edge is the Cooley-reviewed post-incorporation templates and the native Stripe Treasury banking integration, if you're going to use Stripe for payments (nearly all SaaS/marketplaces will), this saves real setup time. Firstbase wins for non-U.S. founders because its international documentation flow is genuinely stronger and it doesn't require U.S. residency. For a U.S.-based domain expert building a VC-track startup, Atlas is the safer default.
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